AboutNancy Brough, MA Expertise I can answer any question about swallowing disorders and acquired and/or developmental communication disorders. Examples are aphasia, brain injury (traumatic or from strokes), and degenerative neurologic diseases. I also have specialized knowledge in craniofacial disorders (i.e., cleft palate.)
Experience Experience in the area: I practiced as a speech pathologist for 20 years . Education/Credentials: BA and MA in Communicative Disorders.
Question Hello,
For the past couple of weeks, I have been experiencing throat constriction along with what feels like a "hairy" tongue. As well, I have a "nagging" chest pain under my right breast bone that doesn't seem to go away. Almost feels like chest congestion, although the Robitussin didn't seem to ease either the throat or the chest pain. I have a doctor's appointment, but they can't get me in until late next week. I'm just anxious about what this could possibly be.
I am female, 49, located in the US.
Answer You are very likely to be suffering from gastric reflux (GERD); possibly as a symptom of something else.
With GERD, the topmost muscles of the esophagus clamp shut to prevent reflux (stomach contents, including acid) from reaching the airway. A tell-tale sign is difficulty swallowing firm solids, like meat or bread. It can even be rather difficult to swallow saliva, while other fluids go down just fine. The "hairy" tongue happens when there's a bit of reflux reaching the mouth during sleep.
As far as the pain goes, that's up to your doctor to figure out, as there are several conditions that can cause it.
Good luck,
Nancy
